Inter Miami predicted lineup vs. Atlanta United: MLS Cup Playoffs

Inter Miami will look to take the first step towards reaching the 2024 MLS Cup in the first round of MLS Cup Playoffs against Atlanta United.

The Herons missed the postseason last year, despite head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino and superstar Lionel Messi both arriving in South Florida in the summer of 2023. Miami revamped and reworked its squad to lift its second Supporters’ Shield trophy. with Messi and Luis Suárez leading the way.

Messi and his former Barcelona teammates are all set to make their MLS Cup Playoff debut against an Atlanta team that has caused them problems this season. Miami stumbled against Atlanta in the regular season with one draw and one loss and Martino hopes his team can get one back against his old club so he can start the postseason on good terms.

With Miami playing at home, Martino will likely employ his usual 4-3-3 formation, with all four experienced players in the starting lineup.

Here’s how the Herons could line up against Atlanta in Game One.

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GK: Drake Callender– Callender cannot afford to make a costly mistake like he did during the Revolution if Miami wants to do everything it can to win the MLS Cup. He will look to put that match behind him and put in a better performance in goal for the Herons.

CB: Marcelo Weigandt—The Argentine full-back starts on the right side of the backline again, but could lose his place in the team if he is not careful, as Ian Fray is stronger on the defensive side.

CB: Tomás AvilésThe young defender tries to avoid rash challenges to keep the pressure off the Miami defense against an Atlanta team that is dangerous on the counter.

CB: David Martinez—The Paraguayan defender is completing his first minutes in over a month since returning from injury, starting on defense against New England. His availability to start the match allows Busquets to play consistently in midfield again.

LB: Jordi AlbaThe attacking fullback looks to add to his two assists against an inconsistent Atlanta defense last time out.

CM: Julian Gressel—Gressel will take on one of his former clubs and will look to use his quality on the ball to provide crosses for Suárez in the penalty area.

CM: Sergio Busquets—Busquets starts in the middle of the park again, as the Herons now have depth at center back again.

CM: Federico Redondo—Redondo moves straight into midfield after returning from injury. He will help Busquets provide the defensive solidity needed as Messi and Suárez normally don’t go back in transition.

RW: Lionel Messi—The 37-year-old comes forward from the jump and looks to drift into the center of the pitch to receive the ball and drive past defenders to create chances.

ST: Luis Suarez—Miami’s No. 9 looks to continue his excellent recent form in the postseason to play his role in Miami moving to the next stage.

LW: Diego GomezThe young Paraguay international should be fully fit on Friday evening as he is a key part of Miami’s front line that is taking most of the pressure.